[Harp-L] Which harp mic is most feedback resistant?

["John F. Potts" <hvyj@xxxxxxx>]

Sam writes:

Modern, low impedance microphones don't have this problem so much

Not necessarily true.  If one is playing into an amp, the signal from  
a lo-z mic is being converted to hi-z by a transformer.  If i am  
using, say, an Ev RE 10, RE 15, or 660, through a transformer, I will  
be more prone to feedback than if i am using a Shure 545 or SM 57  
through a transformer.  Why?  Because the EVs have a higher gain  
output than the Shures.

Now, if I'm playing a Hi-z 545 into an amp, I will be more prone to  
feedback than if i am playing a lo-z 545  through a transformer into  
the same amp.  Why?  because a dual impedance mic that's wired for Hi- 
z will usually have an approx. 15% higher gain output signal than the  
same mic wired for lo-z played through a transformer.

So, while impedance has something to do with it, in my experience,  
it's how hot the output signal of the mic is that will generally be  
the more relevant factor. I don't use bullet mics, and believe me,  
feedback is not a problem unique to bullets, although many bullets do  
have a "hot" (high gain) output.

Now, an Audix Fireball is also a reasonably "hot" mic, but is not  
feedback prone for reasons that probably have to do with the design  
of the element.  Also, although many bullet mics have a narrower  
frequency response range than most PA style dynamic mics, a lot  
bullets are particularly sensitive to the freqs where feedback often  
occurs (1k & 2k--I think), so this can be a contributing factor,  
too.  But impedance alone is not the controlling factor as far as  
feedback is concerned.

FWIW.

JP